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TREASURE  ROOM 


COL.  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  FLOWERS 
MEMORIAL  COLLECTION 


DUKE  UNIVERSITY  LIBRARY 
DURHAM,  N.  C. 


PRESENTED  BY 
W.  W.  FLOWERS 


ADDRESS 


ON    THE   DAY    OF 


FASTING  AND  PRAYER, 


APPOINTED     BY     THE 


PRESIDENT  OF  THE  CONFEDERATE  STATES, 


June  13,  1861. 


DELIVERED    AT 


CHRIST  CHURCH,  MILLWOOD,  VA... 


BISHOP  ILVriE^IDE. 


PUBLISHED  BY  REQUEST. 


RICHMOND. 

ENQUIRER     BOOK     AND     JOB     PRESS 
1861. 


3  1^ 


ADDRESS 

Of  Bishop  Meade  to  the  Congregation  at  Millwood,  after 
the  services  on  the  day  of  Fasting  and  Prayer,  appointed 
by  the  President  of  the  Confederate  States,  June  13th, 
1861. 

We  are  called  upon,  by  our  chief  magistrate,  to  engage  this 
day  in  solemn  religious  exercises,  in  the  hope  of  averting  the 
most  distressing  of  all  temporal  calamities  which  can  befall  a 
people.  Poets  and  historians  may  speak  in  praise  of  battles, 
stimulating  and  gratifying  the  spirit  of  war  which  is  in  man, 
but  we  find  no  such  language  in  the  Word  of  God.  "From 
whence  come  wars  and  fighting  among  you,"  says  the  apostle. 
"  Come  they  not  hence,  even  from  your  lusts  which  war  in 
your  members  ?"  The  first  and  greatest  of  God's  sore  judg- 
ments, according  to  the  prophet  Ezekicl,  is  the  sword — often 
followed  in  its  train  by  famine,  pestilence  and  the  noisome 
beast — the  latter  occupying  the  forest  and  morasses  which 
were  once  covered  by  fertile  fields  and  busy  cities.  All 
history  testifies  to  this;  but  it  cannot  declare  all  the  abomi- 
nations which  attend  and  follow  after  the  war  of  man  with 
his  fellow  man.  Nothing  can  be  more  offensive  to  the  God 
and  Father  of  all — nothing  more  contrary  to  the  spirit  of  the 
Gospel  of  Christ,  which  breathes  onl}'  peace  and  love,  than 
horrid  war.  Our  religion  does,  indeed,  justify  the  defence  of 
our  persons,  property  and  country,  and  God  has  used  war  for 
the  punishment  of  evil  doers.  Judca  was  the  lot  of  the  in- 
heritance of  Shem,  according  to  the  Divine  appointment,  but 
the  wfeked  Canaanites  took  possession  of  it  and  held  it  for  aires, 
until  God  sent  the  rightful  owners  to  claim  it,  in  His  name 
and  by  His  authority.  Under  Moses,  the  great  law  giver, 
Aaron,  the  high  priest,  and  Joshua,  the  valiant  leader,  the 
hosts  of  Isreal   passed  through  many  hostile  trihes.  the  Lord 


!  296 


4  ADDRESS. 

himself  defending  and  delivering  them.  On  reaching  the 
promised  land,  they  drove  out,  by  Divine  command,  the 
wicked  idolators  who  had  polluted  the  soil  by  their  abomina- 
tions. Theirs,  however,  was  not  the  march  of  an  Alexander, 
a  Tamerlane,  or  a  Bonaparte,  for  the  gratification  of  mere 
human  ambition,  but  the  recovery  of  their  own  land,  under 
the  guidance  and  protection  of  God  himself,  who  slew  their 
enemies  or  made  them  ilee  before  Him.  All  other  wars,  not 
based  on  the  principle  of  self-defence,  either  of  person  or 
property,  are  without  the  sanction  of  God.  And  even  defen- 
sive wars  are  attended  with  so  much  of  sin  and  suffering,  that 
they  may  lie  regarded  as  the  sorest  of  God's  judgments  upon 
the  nations  engaged  in  them.  It  is  not  wonderful,  therefore, 
that,  in  every  age  and  land,  and  under  every  form  of  religion, 
those  who  are  about  to  engage  in  war  should  seek  the  aid  of 
those  higher  Beings,  supposed  to  preside  over  the  destinies  of 
men,  and,  by  penitence  and  supplication,  seek  to  avert  the 
miseries  of  the  same.  Such  was  and  is  the  universal  practice 
of  the  heathen  world.  Such  was  the  practice  of  that  nation 
which  God  took  under  His  peculiar  care.  The  high  priest, 
though  not  bearing  arms,  went  before  the  hosts  of  Isreal  in- 
voking the  presence  and  aid  of  Jehovah,  which  aid  was  often 
most  signally  vouchsafed  and  displayed.  When  in  great  dan- 
ger a  solemn  fast  was  proclaimed,  and  the  whole  nation  bowed 
before  the  Lord,  in  sackcloth  and  ashes,  acknowledging  its 
transgressions,  imploring  forgiveness,  and  praying  deliverance 
and  victory.  My  hearers  must  be  little  acquainted  with  the  Old 
Testament  history,  or  have  profited  very  little  by  it,  if  they 
need  to  be  told  of  the  promises  made  to  such  acts  of  humilia- 
tion or  of  the  recorded  fulfilments  of  the  same.  Let  them, 
at  this  time,  study  that  book  with  faith  and  patience?  Let 
them  catch  the  believing  and  penitent  spirit  of  the  saints  of 
God.  On  such  occasions,  especially  must  we  remember  the 
words  and  plead  the  promise.  "If  we  say  that  we  have  no 
sib,  we  deceive  ourselves,  and  the  truth  is  not  in  us,  but  if 


ADDRESS.  O 

we  confess  our  sins,  God  is  faithful  and  just  to  forgive  us  our 
sins."  In  this  transaction  between  God  and  our  souls  we 
must  be  honest,  and  not  merely  in  words  and  terms,  say  that 
we  are  sinners,  but  in  the  deep  of  our  hearts  feel  that  we  are 
grievous  sinners,  and  well  deserve  the  judgments  which  we 
deprecate.  If  I  could  only  be  assured  that  all  the  people 
of  our  land  were  truly  repenting  of  their  sins  before  God, 
especially  of  those  which  arc  bringing  the  calamity  of  this 
war  upon  us,  1  should  not  fear  that  another  drop  of  blood 
would  he  shed. 

It  becomes  us  to  spread  all  our  sins  before  the  Lord,  even 
those  which  do  not  seem  to  have  any  natural  or  special  con- 
nection with  the  judgment  which  is  coming  upon  us  in  the  way 
of  cause  and  effect.  <iod  punishes  us  for  all  our  sins  in  all 
His  judgments,  in  His  own  way  and  time.  All,  therefore, 
should  he  repented  of  in  sackcloth  and  ashes  this  day,  as  the 
producing  causes  of  this  sorest  of  all  God's  plagues,  with 
which  lie  scourges  the  children  of  men. 

Let  us,  then,  think  of  the  violation  of  that  day  set  apart  for 
His  holy  worship,  to  whose  observance  such  promises  are 
made,  and  to  whose  profanation  such  judgments  are  threatened. 
It  has  been  remarked  that  the  bloodiest  battles  on  record  have 
been  fought  on  that  day,  as  though  <*od  chose  to  revenge 
the  abuse  of  His  day  at  other  and  all  times,  by  making  the 
greatest  slaughter  upon  it.  Let  us  think  of  the  sin  of  intem- 
perance, in  all  its  various  forms,  by  which  we  abuse  the  good 
gifts  of  God  and  pervert  them  to  the  means  of  sin  and  misery. 
Let  us  think  of  the  vollies  of  blasphemous  oaths,  which 
ascend  by  millions,  each  day  and  hour,  in  insult  to  that  <■  ml 
who  declared  from  Sinai  that  he  would  not  hold  him  guiltless 
that  taketh  Mis  name  in  vain,  and  who  said  of  His  own  chosen 
people,  '•  Because  of  swearing  the  land  mourneth."  What 
shall  we  say  to  fraud  in  all  its  forms  and  degrees,  in  all  cla 
of  the  community,  from  the  petty  shop-keeper  to  the  great 
contractor,  which  so  dishonors  our  land,  and  offends  the  ('"'l 


P 3  1 2  9  G 


6  ADDRESS. 

who  hates  all  false  dealing?  Must  we  not  acknowledge  as  to 
these  things  that  the  whole  head  is  sick,  and  the  whole  heart 
faint,  so  that  our  bod}^  politic  is  all  over  wounds  and  bruises, 
and  putrifying  sores,  and  that  from  the  crown  of  the  head  to 
the  sole  of  the  foot,  there  is  no  soundness  in  it?  And  shall 
not  God  visit  us  for  these  things  ? 

But,  while  in  all  the  judgments  of  God  we  suffer  for  all  our 
sin-,  for  some  special  sins  we  suffer  special  and  severe  judg- 
ments, and  we  are  able  to  trace  the  connection  between  them. 
Is  it  not  so  in  the  present  case,  and  does  it  not  become  us  to 
notice  the  same,  that  while  this  judgment  of  God  is  abroad 
in  our  land,  its  inhabitants  may  learn  righteousness  ? 

War  is  the  highest  exhibition  of  hatred  on  the  largest  scale. 
Its  miseries  are  the  natural  fruits  of  hatred  between  man  and 
man.  Murder  in  the  act  begins  with  murder  in  the  thought 
and  feeling.  Out  of  the  abundance  of  the  heart  the  mouth 
speaketh.  Out  of  the  heart  are  the  issues  of  life.  Who  can 
question  but  that  the  present  condition  of  our  country  and 
all  the  evils  that  may  follow  proceed  from  a  wrong  state  of 
the  minds  and  hearts  of  our  citizens  ?  Let  any  one  read  the 
contents  of  the  press  in  our  land  for  years  that  are  past  and 
see  the  language  and  temper  of  one  section  and  party  toward 
the  other,  especiall}-  on  one  painful  subject.  Let  him  read 
the  debates  in  our  great  Congress,  and  in  our  lesser  Legisla- 
tures, and  he  cannot  doubt  that  the  present  war  is  the  legiti- 
mate consequence  of  the  state  of  feeling  displa)red  in  the 
same.  It  is  the  judgment  of  God  upon  this  spirit,  and  the 
well-merited  punishment  of  v.he  same.  Nor  are  our  politicians 
the  only  guilty  ones.  The  Church  of  God  has  a  large  share 
in  this  work  of  death.  How  many  of  its  ecclesiastical  assem- 
blies have,  for  years,  been  engaged  in  bitter  strifes  and  up- 
braidings,  meditating  and  proposing  separation,  until  at  length 
they  are  sundered.  And  if,  for  the  sake  of  peace,  the  disci- 
ples and  ministers  of  Christ  have  deemed  it  best  to  separate, 
shall  we  wonder  that  the  citizens  of  the  land,  many  of  whom 


ADDKESS.  7 

acknowledge  not  the  Prince  of  Peace,  should  follow  their 
example  ?  One  of  the  greatest  statesmen  of  our  country,  and 
perhaps  of  the  world,  who  spent  his  hist  years  and  energies  in 
seeking  to  preserve  the  Union,  said  to  a  minister  of  the  Gospel, 
only  a  year  before  his  death,  "  if  you  can  only  keep  the  minis- 
ters and  churches  in  peace  and  unity,  I  think  we  can  save  the 
Union.  "  0  shame  where  is  thy  blush!  I  confess  that  when- 
ever taunted  with  this,  "I  have  been  dumb,  and  opened  not 
my  mouth."  Truly,  judgment  will  begin  in  t lie  house  of  God 
and  in  His  very  sanctuary,  and  none  may  sutler  more  in  this 
war  than  the  ministers  of  religion. 

In  this,  as  in  all  the  great  disputes  and  wars  among  men, 
human  corruption  has  been  displayed  strongly  on  both  sides, 
and  both  have  cause  to  join  in  humble  supiflication  for  pardon  to 
that  God  against  whom  wre  have  sinned.  I  would  briefly  refer 
to  some  of  those  provocations  which  have  led  to  the  present 
strife,  and  so  offended  God  as  make  Him  to  send  this  judgment 
upon  us. 

In  the  providence  of  God  our  forefathers  were  permitted  to 
introduce  into  our  country  a  portion  of  the  human  race  from 
a  foreign  land.  All  of  our  fathers  were  partakers  in  this, 
either  in  bringing  or  receiving.  Increasing  and  multiplying 
amongst  us,  they  are  now  found  in  greatest  numbers  in  tlx> 
Southern  portion  of  the  United  States,  and  under  circumstances 
causing  offence  to  many  in  another  portion.  Though  the  dis- 
tance of  the  latter  portion  from  the  places  where  the  objects 
of  their  concern  reside,  unavoidably  prevent  an  accurate  know- 
ledge of  the  circumstances  and  condition  of  the  same,  and 
many  reasons  exist  which  should  forbid  their  interference  with 
an  institution  of  the  most  painfully  interesting  and  delicate 
nature,  yet  there  have  been  those,  who,  during  the  whole 
of  the  present  century,  have  declared  themselves  called 
upon,  in  obedience  to  the  dictates  of  conscience  and  reli- 
gion, to  seek  its  entire  subversion.  Societies  began  about  this 
time  to  be  formed  and  plans  to  be  laid  and  tracts  written  for 


8  ADDRESS. 

the  accomplishment  of  this  object,  to  the  great  offence  and  an- 
noyance of  those  who  were  personally  and  deeply  concerned 
in  the  institution.  The  advocates  and  agents  of  certain  views 
have  been  continually  increasing  in  numbers  and  influence, 
and  in  the  assurance  and  boast  of  ultimate  success.  Of  late 
years  their  conlidence  has  received  an  immense  increase  of 
strength  by  political  connections,  and  the  tone  of  their  publi- 
cations have  become  proportionally  offensive.  Provoking  and 
most  exaggerated  charges  of  cruelty  and  injustice  have  been 
circulated  through  our  own  and  other  lands  to  the  injury  of  a 
portion  of  cur  people.  Opposition  to  the  laws  of  Congress 
and  the  decisions  of  our  highest  judiciary  is  openly  made  by 
not  a  few  of  our  citizens.  The  result  hais  been  a  grow- 
ing dissatisfaction  in  the  minds  of  many,  as  to  our  political 
connection  with  those  who  thus  upbraid  with  crime  such  as 
differ  from  them,  and  they  believe  that  the  best  remedy  for 
this  is  to  be  found  in  separation. 

"We  question  not  the  honesty  and  conscientiousness  of  many 
who  are  arrayed  against  us,  as  to  their  interpretation  of 
the  Word  of  God  and  the  law  of  nature,  while  we  cannot 
admit  the  sincerity  of  numbers  who  are  most  active  in  their 
opposition,  and  must  believe  that  selfish  and  ambitious  poli- 
ticians and  mere  partizans,  together  with  infidels,  have  mainly 
contributed  to  bring  onr  country  to  its  present  unhappy  condi- 
tion. As  to  all  these  latter  classes  we  have  no  hope  that  they 
will  take  a  real  part  in  such  exercises  as  are  appointed  for  this 
day.  But  in  relation  to  the  sincere,  though  as  we  think  most 
mistaken  ones,  ought  they  not,  on  such  occasions  of  national 
humiliation,  to  examine  themselves  and  see  whether  they  have 
not  a  share  in  bringing  down  this  heavy  judgment  of  God 
upon  us,  by  neglecting  the  right  use  of  their  reason  and  un- 
derstanding in  forming  a  true  and  righteous  judgment  of  the 
great  question  before  us,  by  a  full  and  comprehensive  consi- 
deration of  the  same  in  the  light  of  God's  Word  and  of  all 
human  history.     It  is  sad  to  think  how  much  the  mistakes  of 


APDKI.SS.  9 

the  most  pious,  in  every  age,  have  contributed  to   the  wars 
which  have  desolated  the  earth. 

But  while  I  thus  speak  what  1  sincerely  believe,  in  relation 
to  those  of  one  portion  of  our  country  and  of  one  side  in  this 
contest,  have  I  nothing  to  rebuke  in  the  other?  Arc  they 
innocent  of  all  share  in  bringing  upon  us  this  heavy  judg- 
ment ?  Have  none  of  them  cherished  prejudice  and  indulged 
hatred  and  provoked  the  same  in  our  opponents  so  as  to  pre- 
pare the  way  for  deadly  war?  Have  we  made  due  allowance 
for  honest  difference  of  opinion  on  that  subject,  which  has 
been  the  very  turning  point  of  all  our  troubles,  and  than 
which  none  is  more  calculated  to  interest  some  of  the  best 
feelings  of  humanity,  while  at  the  same  time,  none  is  more 
calculated  to  lead  astray  ?  Have  not  many  been  unduly  ex- 
cited by  honest  differences  of  opinion  so  as  to  use  contemptu- 
ous and  offensive  expressions,  and  charge  that  on  wilful,  de- 
liberate design  which  was  in  some  only  unintentional  error? 
Have  we  exercised  that  charity  which  not  only  suftereth  long, 
but  is  kind — which  is  even  content  to  suffer  some  loss,  rather 
than  plunge  a  whole  nation  into  all  the  horrors  of  war  ?  Have 
we  remembered  that  even  a  Paul  verily  thought,  at  one  time} 
that  he  ought  to  do  many  things  contrary  to  the  name  of  Jesus> 
and  did  many  things,  but  how  he  found  mercy  because  he  did 
them  ignorantly  in  unbelief?  Have  we  remembered  the  judg- 
ment of  our  Lord  himself  that  many,  in  persecuting  him  and 
his  followers,  thought  that  they  were  doing  God  a  service,  and 
how  his  last  prayer  for  his  crucifiers  was  "  Father  forgive 
them  for  they  know  not  what  they  do?"  Have  we  had  the 
long-suffering  spirit  of  our  Master  which  bears  with  re- 
proaches ami  seeks  to  overcome  evil  with  good?  If  conscious 
of  innocency  in  that  which  is  the  subject  of  most  unjust  up- 
braiding, have  we  been  as  satisfied,  as  we  ought  to  have  been, 
with  the  testimony  of  a  good  conscience?  If  our  hearts  con- 
demn as  not,  then  what  confidence  might  we  have  had  in  God< 
[f  W9  believe  that  God  himself,  in  his  word,  allows  as  ri^htt 
2 


IU  i  DRESS 

that  which  our  opponents  condemn  as  wrong,  have  we  suffi- 
ciently rested  on  this  divine  warrant,  being  comparatively  in  * 
different  to  all  that  the  pulpit  and  press  have  uttered  and  pub- 
lished against  us  ?  If  conscious  that  we  love  a  most  amiable 
though  unfortunate  race,  far  more  than  others  can  do,  and  are 
appointed  by  Providence  as  their  best  guardians,  can  we  notr 
for  their  sakes,  bear  some  misrepresentation  and  unmerited 
censure  ?  But  it  is  also  our  duty  faithfully  to  consider  whether 
we  have  done  and  are  doing  all  in  our  power  to  fulfil  the  high 
trust  reposed  in  us,  for  their  benefit — especially  in  relation  to 
their  spiritual  and  eternal  interests?  May  not  this  judgment 
be  intended  as  a  punishment  for  past  neglects  and  as  a  help  to 
more  faithfulness  in  the  future  ?  I  know  that  there  is  far 
hiore  regard  to  their  higher  interests  than  many  at  a  distance 
suppose,  but  I  am  sure  there  is  far  less  than  God  requires  and 
their  immortal  souls  demand. 

These  improper  feelings,  words  and  habits  of  mind,  through- 
out our  whole  land,  have  certainly  brought  us  to  our  present 
state  of  deadly  strife,  and  by  which  God  is  about  to  punish 
us.  I  have  witnessed  their  gradual  rise  and  progress  for 
many  years  with  deep  concern,  but  am  overwhelmed  at  their 
recent  sudden  and  most  fearful  increase  and  development. 
The  duration  and  severity  of  God's  judgment  will  doubtless 
much  depend  on  the  amount  and  continuance  of  those  unhappy 
tempers  within  ourselves.  If  the  whole  nation  could  pros- 
trate itself  before  the  Lord  in  deepest  penitence,  and  in  the 
exercise  of  brotherly  love  and  forgiveness,  how  soon  wrould 
the  war  be  over.  It  would  scarce  begin.  I  doubt  not  but 
that  many  do  thus  daily  kneel  before  a  throne  of  grace  and 
rise  upwith  hearts  of  love  and  forgiveness  towards  their  op- 
ponents, and  I  will  cherish  the  hope  that  they  exist  in  such 
numbers  that  their  prayers  will  avail  with  Heaven  and  their 
voices  be  felt  in  the  hearts  of  those  with  whom  the  great  ques- 
tion rests  for  decision. 

But  however  long  or  short  this  war  may  be,  a  great  fact  is 


ADDRESS.  1  1 

■upon  us.  The  Union  is  no  more.  We  are  now  twotnations, 
•i'lic  alienation  has  been  so  long  and  great,  and  the  circum- 
stances distinguishing  the  tv.  o  portions  so  peculiar  and  strong, 
that  little  or  no  hope  can  he  cherished  of  a  restoration.  The 
opinion  1  know  is  held  by  many  that  it  will  be,  and  the  decla- 
ration has  gone  forth  from  high  places  in  stern  language  that 
it  shall  he  restored.  But  this  can  only  he  after  the  manner  of 
some  subjugating  tyrants,  who  overrun  a  country  with  fire  and 
sword,  carrying  desolation  hcfore  them  and  leaving  a  soli- 
tude behind  them.  "  Solitudincm  faciunt  et  pacem  appcjlant." 
"  They  make  a  solitude  and  call  it  peace."  That  will  not  be 
again,  I  think — at  any  rate  not  in  our  country  or  among  the 
descendants  of  our  revolutionary  fathers.  Tt  was  so  in  times 
of  old.  What  are  almost  all  the  wars  of  the  ancient  world  ? 
"What  those  of  the  four  great  empires  of  sacred  and  profane 
history,  which  were  first  established  by  conquest  and  com- 
bined in  one  large  portions  of  Europe,  Asia  and  Africa. 
Scarce  however  were  they  consolidated  into  one,  before  revolt 
began,  and  their  history  ever  after  was  that  of  revolted  pro- 
vinces and  wars  for  their  subjugation  and  reunion,  until  a  moro 
permanent  division  into  larger  empires  was  made,  more  like 
unto  those  which  constitute  Europe  at  this  day  the  glory  of 
the  eastern  hemisphere. 

Sad,  my  brethren,  as  the  thought  of  disunion  is  to  my  heart, 
nor  am  I  ashamed  or  afraid  to  own  it;  fondly  as  I  had  hoped 
for  the  continuance  of  our  old  confederation  for  many  veins  to 
eome,  yet  am  1  sure  that  it.  will  not,  cannot  be  restored  after  all 
that  has  passed,  and  is  even  now  fearfully  transpiring  amongst 
us,  But  must  division  always  be  established  and  sealed  with 
blood  ?  Is  there  no  glery  reserved  for  the  improved  condition 
of  mankind  in  the  latter  days  of  the  world,  such  as  a  peace- 
able separation  of  a  great  country  like  ours,  larger  in  its  ex- 
tent than  any  of  the  four  great  empires  of  the  old  world  ': 

I  am  no  politician,  brethren,  but  only  an  humble  preacher 
"f  the  Ciospcl.  yet  were  I  permitted  to   speak  one  word   in  th« 


12  ADDRESS. 

cars  of  fhe  administration  and  great  congress  which  yet  rule 
over  an  almost  boundless  territory,  destined  perhaps  one  day  td* 
swarm  with  hundreds  and  thousands  of  millions,  I  would  say, 
"  In  the  name  of  God  and  humanity,  cast  not  away  the  noblest 
opportunity  of  a  true  patriotism  and  philanthropy  ever  pre- 
sented to  the  rulers  and  law-givers  of  earth  ;  yield  to  a  neces- 
sity which  Heaven  imposes ;  propose,  at  once,  honorable  and  ■ 
friendly  terms ;  let  the  separation  be  of  friends  rather  than 
of  foes,  so  that  our  former  intercourse  may  scarce  be  sus- 
pended, and  the  ancient  channels  of  commerce  and  religion  be 
still  kept  open.  Thus  and  thus  only  can  a  reunion  ever  be 
effected,  if  such  be  the  will  of  God.  What  monument  ever 
erected  to  the  greatest  generals  of  earth  for  subduing  and  re- 
covering, for  a  few  years,  some  revolted  provinces,  could  be 
compared  with  the  peaceable  settlement  of  the  great  contro- 
versy now  about  to  deluge  our  land  with  blood,  and  perhaps 
extend  to  other  lands.  May  God  speak  effectually  to  the  hearts 
what  I  cannot  hope  will  ever  reach  the  ears  of  those  who  now 
hold  the  most  fearfully  responsible  trust  committed  to  any  of 
the  principalities  of  this  lower  world.  Blessings  or  curses 
await  their  memory  in  generations  yet  unborn. 

And  would  this  be  to  cast  contempt  on  the  memory  of  our 
revolutionary  fathers  and  undo  all  which  they  so  wisely  did  ? 
I  reply,  could  these  true  lovers  of  their  whole  country,  who 
sought  to  provide  so  carefully  against  the  very  causes  which 
have  provoked  our  present  strife,  have  certainly  foreseen  all 
the  unhappiness  which  has  been  felt  for  the  last  twenty  or 
thirty  years,  and  all  the  struggles  for  power  between  North 
and  South,  which  have  taken  place,  and  all  the  disgraceful 
scenes  of  Congress;  and  it  had  been  proposed  to  them  to  forbid 
by  a  perpetual  decree  any  separation,  under  any  circumstances 
and  provocations,  and  ordain  that  if  any  should  actually 
occur,  such  as  has  occurred,  it  must  be  resisted  and  crushed 
at  any  expense  of  life  and  treasure :  who  can  believe  that  an 
affirmative  record  would  have  found  place  in  our  history  ?  And 


ADDRESS.'  IS 

may  I  not  add,  what  if  those  great  statesmen,  whose  bodies 
are  scarce  cold  in  their  graves,  and  who,  when  alive,  devoted 
all  their  energies  and  zeal  to  the  prosperity  of  the  whole 
country  and  the  preservation  of  the  Union,  by  removing  all 
the  former  and  dreaded  causes  of  separation,  were  now  alive 
from  the  dead— alive  to  sec  the  failure  of  all  their  efforts  and 
plans  and  warnings,  alive  to  know  that  ten  large  portions  of 
our  land  had  formed  themselves  into  a  separate  Union  with 
the  fixed  determination  to  maintain  it;  would  their  voices  from 
the  peaceful  grave,  cry  out  "bring  forth  the  lire  and  sword 
and  desolation  :'*  Would  such  be  the  language  of  a  Clay  and 
a  Webster?  Would  they  not  rather  say  in  tones  of  warning, 
made  more  solemn  as  coming  from  the  grave,  M  Forbear  this 
vain  attempt.  God  himself  has  decreed  the  failure  of  our 
short-sighted  devices.  Yield  then  to  his  will.  Still  be  breth- 
ren. Form  a  new  alliance  and  be  ready  to  combine  against  a 
common  foe.  Call  not  those  Avho  have  departed  from  you 
rebels,  traitors,  conspirators,  as  our  ancient  foes  did  the  noble 
fathers  of  our  revolution  ;  still  be  brethren  of  one  great  Ame- 
rican family,  honoring  and  being  honored,  and  show  to  the 
world  that  a  republic  is  not  a  failure;  that  it  may  divide,  yet 
live  and  prosper." 

And  now  let  me  sa}r,  that  after  all  our  fears  of  division,  in 
which  1  have  largely  participated,  might  not  the  effort  at  in- 
creasing and  perpetuating  this  Union  be  as  the  scheme  of 
building  an  American  Babel,  and  end  in  the  confusion  and 
dispersion  of  the  same  into  numerous  and  discordant  tribes, 
whereas  the  present  separation  into  two  great  nations,  marked 
by  providential  differences  of  population,  soil  and  productions, 
might,  for  a  long  time,  present  to  the  world  a  spectacle  of 
peaceable  division  never  before  witnessed,  an  honor  to  humani- 
ty— a  triumph  to  the  religion  of  the  Prince  of  Peace. 

Let  me  add  one  word  as  tO/thc  controversy  which  relates  to 
the  disputed  territory  of  the. almost  boundless  Weal  and  South. 
1  have  never  been  troubled  about  it,  for  before  all  the  land  is 


14  iDDRKSS. 

settled,  which  must  necessarily  belong  to  the  African  race, 
the  world  may  be  at  an  end.  "The  earth  is  the  Lord's  and 
all  that  therein  is,"  and  I  doubt  not  that  he  who  sent  them 
hither  will  see  to  it  that  a  due  allowance  of  suitable  soil  and 
climate  will  be  reserved  for  them  until  the  world's  end.  Let 
us  only  see  to  it,  that  in  our  separation,  when  unmolested  by 
misguided  persons,  who  think  themselves,  if  not  the  onl}r,  yet 
the  best  friends  of  the  African,  we  do  our  duty  more  faith- 
fully to  them  in  all  respects. 

One  word  in  conclusion  as  to  the  special  fast  appointed  for 
this  day.  Let  us  remember  the  words  of  the  prophet  who 
tells  us  that  the  fast  which  the  Lord  chooses  is  not  merely  t» 
afflict  our  souls,  but  "to  deal  our  bread  to  the  hungry,  and 
bring  the  poor  that  are  cast  out  into  our  houses,  and  not  hide 
ourselves  from  our  own  flesh."  Let  us  remember  those  who 
in  our  defence  are  exposing  themselves  to  all  the  hardships 
and  dangers  of  the  camp  and  field.  We  should  remember 
them,  by  providing  for  their  families  who  are  left  behind.  We 
should  remember  them  before  a  throne  of  grace,  earnestly 
praying  that  God  would  pour  out  his  converting  and  sanctify- 
ing grace  upon  them,  that  if  death  be  their  lot,  no  matter  how 
sudden  their  summons,  the  field  of  earthly  combat  may  be 
exchanged  for  that  of  heavenly  glory. 


APPENDIX.  15 


Extract  from  Bishop  Meade's  Address  to  the  Episcopal 
Convention  in  Richmond,  on  the  State  of  the  Country, 
May   16,  1861. 

Having  thus  presented  a  statement  of  those  tilings  pertain- 
ing to  our  Diocese  which  the  canon  requires  of  me,  1  now 
ask  your  attention  to  a  few  remarks  concerning  the  present 
unhappy  condition  of  our  State  and  Country. 

My  brethren  and  friends  will  hear  me  witness  how  carefully 
I  have  ever  avoided,  in  all  my  communications,  the  least  ref- 
erence to  anything  partaking  of  a  political  character,  and  how 
I  have  earnestly  warned  my  younger  brethren  against  the 
danger  of  injuring  the  effect  of  their  sacred  ministry,  by  en- 
gaging in  discussions  which  are  so  apt  to  disturb  the  peace  of 
society.  But  in  the  present  circumstances  of  our  country  the 
cause  of  religion  is  so  deeply  involved,  that  I  feel  not  only 
justified,  but  constrained  to  offer  a  few  remarks  for  your  con- 
sideration. 

It  has  pleased  God  to  permit  a  great  calamity  to  come  upon 
us.  Our  whole  country  is  preparing  for  war.  Our  own  State, 
after  failing  in  her  earnest  effort  for  the  promotion  of  peace, 
is,  perhaps,  more  actively  engaged  in  all  needful  measures  for 
maintaining  the  position  which  she  has,  after  much  considera- 
tion, deliberately  assumed,  than  any  portion  of  the  land. 

A  deeper  and  more  honest  conviction  that  if  war  should  ac- 
tually come  upon  us,  it  will  be  on  our  part  one  of  self-defence, 
and,  therefore,  justifiable  before  (iod,  seldom,  if  ever,  ani- 
mated the  breasts  of  those  who  appealed  to  arms.  From  this 
consideration,  and  from  my  knowledge  of  the  character  of  our 
people,  I  believe  that  the  object  sought  for  will  be  most  perse- 
veringly  pursued,  whatever  sacrifice  of  life  and  comfort  and 
treasure  may  be  required.  Nor  do  I  entertain  any  doubt  as 
to  the  final  result,  though   1   shudder  at  the  thought  of  what 


1G  APPENDIX. 

may  intervene  before  that  xesult  is  secured.  May  God,  in 
great  mercy  and  with  his  mighty  power,  interpose  and  grant 
us  speedy  peace,  instead  of  protracted  war !  But  can  it  be, 
that  at  this  period  of  the  world,  when  so  many  prayers  are 
offered  up  for  the  establishment  of  Christ's  kingdom  in  all  the 
earth,  and  such  high  hopes  are  entertained  that  the  zealous 
efforts  put  forth  will  be  successful,  and  our  country  be  one  of 
the  most  effective  and  honored  instruments  for  producing  the 
same,  that  the  great  work  shall  be  arrested  by  such  a  fratrici- 
dal war  as  that  which  is  now  so  seriously  threatened  ?  Is 
there  not  room  enough  for  us  all  to  dwell  together  in  peace  in 
this  widely  extended  country,  so  large  a  portion  of  which  is 
yet  unsettled,  and  may  not  be  until  the  world  that  now  is  shall 
be  no  more  ?  The  families  or  nations  which  sprung  from  twd 
venerable  patriarchs  of  old,  could  find  room  enough  in  the 
little  pent-up  land  of  Judea  to  live  in  peace,  by  going  the  one 
to  one  hand  and  the  other  to  the  opposite.  At  a  later  period, 
when  Israel  and  Judah  separated,  and  the  latter  having  the  city 
and  temple  in  possession,  and  the  supremacy,  according  to 
prophecy,  was  preparing  to  go  up  against  the  former  and  re- 
duce the  people  to  submission,  and  bring  them  back  to  union, 
the  Lord  himself  came  down  and  forbade  it,  saying:  "Thou 
shalt  not  go  up,  nor  fight  against  your  brethren,  the  children 
of  Israel.  Return  every  man  to  his  house,  for  this  thing  is 
of  me."  And  they  hearkened  unto  the  Lord,  and  ever  after 
the  history  of  the  two  kingdoms  is  written  in  the  same  sacred 
volume,  in  which  are  also  recorded  the  evidences  of  God's  fa- 
vor to  both,  and  though  sometimes  at  controversy,  yet  how  of- 
ten were  they  found  side  by  side  defending  the  ancient  boun- 
daries of  Judea  against  surrounding  nations.  God  grant  that 
our  country  may  learn  a  lesson  from  this  sacred  narrative. 
Let  none  think  that  I  am  unmindful  of  law  and  order,  and  of 
the  blessings  of  Union.  I  was  trained  in  a  different  school. 
I  have  clung  with  tenacity  to  the  hope  of  preserving  the 
Union  to  the  last  moment.     If  I  know  my  own  heart,  could 


APPENDIX.  1? 

the  sacrifice  of  the  poor  remnant  of  1113'  life  have  contributed 
in  any  degree  to  its  maintenance,  such  sacrifice  would  have 
been  cheerfully  made.  But  the  developments  of  public  feel- 
ing and  the  course  of  our  rulers  have  brought  me  slowly,  reluc- 
tantly, sorrowfully,  yet  most  decidedly,  to  the  painful  convic- 
tion, that  notwithstanding  attendant  dangers  and  evils,  we  shall 
consult  the  welfare  and  happiness  of  Ihe  whole  land  by  sepa- 
ration. And  who  can  desire  to  retain  a  Union  which  has  now 
become  so  hateful,  and  by  the  application  of  armed  force, 
which,  if  successful,  would  make  it  ten  times  more  hateful, 
and  soon  lead  to  the  repetition  of  the  same  bloody  contests? 

I  trust,  therefore,  that  the  present  actual  separation  of  so 
many  and  such  important  portions  of  our  country  may  take 
place  without  further  collision,  which  might  greatly  hinder 
the  establishment  of  the  most  friendly  and  intimate  relations 
which  can  consist  with  separate  establishments.  ]  trust  that 
our  friends  at  a  distance,  and  now  in  opposition  to  us,  will 
most  seriously  review  their  judgment,  and  inquire  whether 
the  evils  resulting  from  a  war  to  sustain  their  wishes  and 
opinions  as  to  a  single  Confederacy,  will  not  far  exceed  those 
apprehended  from  the  establishment  of  a  second — an  event 
far  more  certain  than  the  result  of  the  American  Revolution 
at  the  time  of  its  occurrence. 

In  connection  with  this  civil  and  geographical  separation  in 
our  country,  and  almost  necessarily  resulting  from  it,  the 
subject  of  some  change  of  the  ecclesiastical  relations  of  our 
Diocese  must  come  under  consideration.  There  is  a  general 
and  Btrong  desire,  1  believe,  to  retain  as  much  as  jmssi1 
our  past  and  present  happy  intercourse  with  those  from  whom 
we  shall  he,  in  other  matters,  more  divided.  A  meeting  is 
already  proposed  for  this  purpose  in  one  of  the  seceded  States. 
whose  plana,  <o  far  as  developed,  1  will  submit  to  the  conside- 
ration of  this  body  at  \',<  present  session. 

1  cannot  conclude  without  expressing  the  earnest  desire  thai 
the  ministers  and  members  <>f  our  Church,  and  ;:]1  the  citizens 
3 


18  APPENDIX. 

of  our  State,  who  are  so  deeply  interested  in  the  present  con- 
test, may  conduct  it  in  the  most  elevated  and  Christian  spirit, 
rising  above  uncharitable  and  indiscriminate  imputations  on 
all  who  are  opposed.  Many  there  are  equally  sincere  on  both 
sides,  as  there  ever  have  been  in  all  the  wars  and  controversies 
that  have  been  waged  upon  earth  ;  though  it  does  not  follow 
that  all  have  the  same  grounds  of  justice  and  truth  on  which 
to  base  their  warfare. 

It  was  the  maxim  of  an  ancient  sage  that  we  should  always 
treat  our  friends  as  those  who  might  one  day  be  our  enemies, 
and  to  treat  our  enemies  as  those  who  may  one  day  be  our 
friends.  While  abhorring,  as  I  am  sure  we  all  do,  the  former 
part  of  this  cold-hearted  maxim,  let  us  cherish  and  adopt  the 
latter,  so  congenial  with  the  spirit  of  our  holy  religion.  The 
thought  of  even  a  partial  separation  from  those  who  have 
long  been  so  dear  to  me  is  anguish  to  my  soul.  But  there  is 
a  union  of  heart  in  our  common  faith  and  hope  which  can 
never  be  broken.  The  Church  in  Virginia  has  more  dear 
friends  and  generous  patrons  amongst  those  who  are  on  the 
opposite  side  of  this  painful  controversy  than  any  other,  and 
feels  most  deeply  the  unhappy  position  in  which  we  are 
placed. 

As  our  State  has,  to  its  high  praise,  endeavored  to  avert  the 
evils  now  threatened,  so  may  our  Church,  and  all  the  others 
in  Virginia,  by  prayer  and  the  exercise  of  true  charity,  en- 
deavor to  diminish  that  large  amount  of  prejudice  and  ill-will 
which  so  unhappily  abounds  in  our  land. 

Let  me,  in  conclusion,  commend  to  your  special  prayers  all 
those  who  have  now  devoted  themselves  to  the  defence  of  our 
State.  From  personal  knowledge  of  many  of  them,  and  from 
the  information  of  others,  there  is  already,  I  believe,  a  large 
portion  of  religious  principle  and  genuine  piety  to  be  found 
among  them.  I  rejoice  to  learn  that  in  many  companies  not 
only  are  the  services  of  chaplains  and  other  ministers  earnestly 
sought  for,  but  social  prayer  meetings  held  among  themselves  . 


APPENDIX.  19 

( >ur  own  Church  has  a  very  large  proportion  of  communicants 
among  the  officers  of  our  army,  and  not  a  few  among  the  sol- 
diers. Let  us  pray  that  grace  may  be  given  them  to  be  faith- 
ful soldiers  of  the  Cross,  as  well  as  valiant  and  successful 
defenders  of  the  State. 

1C  all  of  us  do  our  part  faithfully  and  according  to  the  prin- 
ciples of  our  holy  religion,  we  may  confidently  leave  the  issue 
\o  God,  who  will  overrule  all  for  good. 


The  reading  of  this  Address  was  followed  by  the  appointment 
of  a  committee,  whose  report  having  been  subsequently  sub- 
ed,  was  approved  by  a  unanimous  vote  of  the  Convention, 
as  follows : 

The  special  committee  to  whom  so  much  of  the  Bishop's 
Address  as  relates  to  the  present  political  and  ecclesiastical 
condition  of  our  affairs  was  referred,  unanimously  report  the 
following  resolutions  for  adoption  by  the  Convention  : 

1.  Resolved,  That  this  Convention,  having  heard  with  deep 
interest  the  true  and  timely  statements  of  our  venerable 
Diocesan  in  reference  to  the  present  political  and  ecclesiastical 

:iion  of  our  atfairs,  cordially  concur  in  the   views  pre- 
.  and  sympathize  fully  in  the  kind  and  Christian  spirit 
in  which  they  are  so  wisely  declared. 

2.  Resolved,  That  the  committee,  consisting  of  the  two 
Bishops,  with  three  clerical  and  three  lay  members,  be  appointed 

8  provisional  committee  to"act,  during  the  recess  of  the  Con- 
vention, in  all  matters  connected  with  our  relations  to  other 
dioceses,  and  also  to  serve  as  delegates  in  any  Conven 
u  iiich  may  lie  agreed  upon  by  other  similarly  situated  dioceses. 
All  the  proceedings  of  this  committee  to  be  reported  for  the 
oval  of  the  Convention  of  the  Diocese  of  Virginia. 

I.  Joi  W.  Staruow,  J.  Grammu:.  )    ~ 

Thos.  S.  Gholson,    James  Galt.    R.  II.  Cunningham,  \       m" 


